Adoption Authority denies age limit of 42 for those seeking to adopt

The Adoption Authority has said there is no upper age limit for those who want to adopt in Ireland.

The aithority was responding to a media report that an upper age limit of 42 was being considered.

The Irish Independent quotes a report from the agency, which says parents should be in good health and "of an age to parent children with needs through to adulthood".

The age and needs of children available for adoption has changed in recent years. They are now often older children or those with special needs.

More than 116 adoption orders were granted in Ireland last year, up from 49 in 2012. The majority were made in step-family adoptions.

In a statement this morning, the Adoption Authority said it considers health, life circumstance, and the ability of a person to parent when looking at applications - not specifically the age of the potential parent.